2223-0331 Garrett Street Affordable Workspace Project - PSQ
Estimated Value
£0 – £3,404,450
Deadline
12 October 2023
Published
5 October 2023
Type
Services Concession Contract
Overview
2223-0331 Garrett Street Affordable Workspace Project The requirement
Islington Council is inviting tenders from established, socially focused workspace or makerspace operators to take on the delivery and long-term management of a new Affordable Workspace/Makerspace. 10-14 Garrett Street is a historically significant Grade II listed former stables building. The opportunity includes a seven year peppercorn lease and Services Concession Contract, awarded in exchange for delivering affordable workspace provision and robust social value outcomes aligned with the Council’s priorities.
Operators have a unique opportunity include makerspace, creative facilities, creative industries, and crafts and provide space to deliver training, events and support to underrepresented local people into employment within the creative and making industries. It is envisaged that the building could support practical making businesses across various creative industries from woodwork to textile, metal work to ceramics. This vision does not preclude the submission of innovative and high-quality bids for the workspace that also meet the council’s priorities.
AI Analysis
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Islington Council is looking for an experienced workspace or makerspace operator to run a new affordable creative workspace in a historic Grade II listed building at 10-14 Garrett Street. You'd get a seven-year lease at a very low cost (peppercorn rent) in exchange for providing affordable workspace, training, and employment support focused on underrepresented local people wanting to work in creative industries.
Requirements
- Must be an established workspace or makerspace operator with proven track record
- Must be socially focused (i.e., committed to social value and community benefit)
- Must be able to deliver affordable workspace provision
- Must demonstrate ability to achieve robust social value outcomes aligned with Islington Council's priorities
- Must be able to manage and operate the building long-term (7-year commitment)
- Must work with and support underrepresented local people into employment in creative/making industries
- Must comply with Grade II listed building regulations and conservation requirements
- Check full tender documents for additional insurance, financial stability, and governance requirements
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Deliver affordable workspace suitable for creative industries (woodwork, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, etc.)
- Operate and manage 10-14 Garrett Street as a makerspace/creative workspace facility for 7 years
- Set affordable rental rates for workspace tenants
- Provide training programmes for local people entering creative industries
- Deliver events and support activities focused on employment pathways for underrepresented groups
- Maintain the Grade II listed building to conservation standards
- Manage day-to-day operations, maintenance, utilities, and tenant relations
- Report on social value outcomes and progress against Council priorities
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'Services Concession Contract' — that's a legal arrangement where you get to use the building cheaply (peppercorn rent means almost free) in exchange for delivering a public service (affordable workspace). It's not a standard lease or a straightforward tender.
- 2Social value is the main scoring criterion here — the Council cares more about community impact (jobs created, training delivered, underrepresented groups supported) than profit margins. Read their corporate priorities carefully and tailor your bid around those.
- 3The 'PSQ' stage means this is a Pre-Qualification phase — you're likely being shortlisted before submitting a full detailed bid. Answer exactly what they ask for at PSQ stage; don't submit a full business plan yet.
- 4Grade II listed building' is important — any changes you want to make (installing equipment, subdividing space, etc.) will need listed building consent from the Council and possibly heritage bodies. Budget time and money for this.
- 5Look for the 'Evaluation Criteria' document — this tells you exactly how marks are awarded. If it says 60% social value and 40% financial, write your bid focused on social impact first.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you're a smaller operator, consider partnering with a larger workspace operator or forming a consortium — this reduces risk and strengthens your track record on paper. Make clear who does what in your bid.
- Highlight any existing relationships with local training providers, charities working with underrepresented groups, or local colleges — the Council wants to see you have genuine community connections, not just good intentions.
- The peppercorn lease is valuable but ties you in for 7 years — make sure your financial projections show you can break even or profit by renting out affordable workspace at rates that still deliver social impact. Include a detailed 5-year revenue forecast in your bid.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
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How to Apply
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Key Dates
Published
5 October 2023
Submission deadline
12 October 2023
Notice type
Open
Source
council:london-tenders-portal
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